Ukraine calls on civilized world to respond to Russia's aggressive actions - Shmyhal

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this at a government meeting on Wednesday, February 23, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Ukraine calls on the entire civilized world to respond to [Russia's] actions and strengthen sanctions against the aggressor in the financial, banking, energy and technological sectors," Shmyhal said.

According to him, Ukraine, in concert with its international partners, will take all the necessary measures to ensure a decisive response to this step of aggression. "We expect tougher sanctions and military and economic assistance," he added.

Shmyhal also welcomed the decision by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to halt the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and called for a total ban on the project. According to him, Ukraine thanks for the support and, at the same time, clearly states that the Ukrainian army is ready to fight back at any moment. "Our Armed Forces are strong and provided with everything they need," he said.

Shmyhal called on citizens to stay calm and united.

As reported, on February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing two self-proclaimed entities in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The agreements concluded between these quasi-republics and Russia provide for the provision of military assistance to them. Russia has thus openly acknowledged its military presence in certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

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